Events
Wedding Food Calculator
Enter guests, percent adults, courses and a plated/buffet multiplier to see portions to order.
How much food for a wedding reception?
Wedding meal planning blends headcount, adult versus child mix, number of courses and whether service is plated or buffet. Convert the guest list into adult-equivalents (children × a portion factor), multiply by courses, then apply a buffet multiplier when self-service needs extra to avoid gaps. Plated meals often sit near 1.0×; buffets commonly plan 1.2–1.3× depending on cuisine. Confirm final numbers with the caterer’s guarantee policy — calculators do not replace tasting menus or dietary tallies. Budget the reception with event budget and drinks with party drinks.
Worked example
120 guests, 85% adults → 102 adults + 18 children. At 0.6 child factor → 112.8 adult-equivalents × 3 courses × 1.0 plated ≈ 338 portions.
Limits and assumptions
Does not split starter/main/dessert dietary codes. Vendor minimums may exceed the maths.
Frequently asked questions
Why a buffet multiplier?
Guests serve themselves unevenly and hosts usually prefer leftovers to empty trays, so caterers plan above a strict headcount.
What is an adult-equivalent?
A way to count children as a fraction of an adult portion so totals stay realistic without a second menu model.
Do vendors count staff meals?
Often yes — ask whether tasting or staff covers sit inside your guarantee number.
Can I use this for evening-only guests?
Run a second pass with evening headcount and fewer courses.